As the spectacular performance of the Dalian 2025 FISU University World Cup Football opening ceremony concluded, a young directing team composed of Dalian locals born in the 1980s and 90s breathed a quiet sigh of relief behind the scenes.
This team brought together diverse professional expertise from Dalian. Its members had varied backgrounds and rich professional experience, including young key staff from municipal institutions directly under the Dalian Municipal Culture and Tourism Bureau—such as the Dalian Cultural Art Career Development Center, Dalian Cultural Center, Dalian Korean Ethnic Culture and Art Center, and Dalian Wushu Culture Museum—as well as young faculty from Dalian University, young directors from Dalian Song and Dance Theatre and Dalian Acrobatic Troupe under the Dalian Culture &Education Industry Group, and even fresh energy from Dalian’s new literary and artistic groups.
From Conceptualization to Execution
From Casting Coordination to On-site Management
This group of young creators
With their professionalism and dedication
Perfectly blended youthful vitality with the spirit of sports
On the stage of the opening ceremony
Telling the Dalian Chapter of the China Story
Embracing the World Step by Step from Dalian
“The core of the opening ceremony is not about performing, but about telling a story with warmth.” This was the direction this young team set from the very beginning of their creative process.
As a youth group inherently in tune with the spirit of the event, they translated the grand vision of the plan into tangible stage scenes through precise narrative logic and vivid artistic expression.
The team closely followed the core concept of “Basing in Dalian, Showcasing China, Embracing the World,” designing a three-tier narrative progression: “City Impression – Chinese Expression – Global Resonance.”
“Every segment is not isolated; it’s a youthful journey starting from Dalian and gradually embracing the world,” said one of the creators.
Simplicity without Simpleness
Throughout the creative process, the team adhered to the philosophy of “simplicity without simpleness”, replacing redundant expression with precise creativity.
All performers were selected from university students in Dalian and local art groups, making the expression of “Youth Hosting the Event” more authentic. In terms of process design, the formation at the end of the welcoming segment was directly transformed into guides for the athletes’ parade, achieving a seamless transition between performance and ceremony, making it both compact and efficient.
“We spent two weeks refining this transition detail, just to reduce one scene change and increase the fluency. This is what we call ‘precision within simplicity’”. one creator noted.
Meticulous Backstage Work Behind the Brilliant Performance
Behind the brilliant performance was extremely meticulous backstage work.
Faced with the complex situation of over a thousand performers needing to enter and exit through five passageways, the team repeatedly rehearsed movement paths and timing during rehearsals. They used stopwatches to measure the intervals between segments, ensuring actors from the previous segment exited seamlessly as those for the next entered, preventing any empty stage moments or corridor congestion.
The management of costumes and props was equally meticulous, implementing a “check-out, check-in” registration system. Backup items were prepared for each type of costume and prop to ensure nothing went wrong.
“The smooth execution of a production involving thousands hinges entirely on the details,” a team member admitted.
Solid Support Behind the Composure and Precision
This composure and precision were underpinned by solid support.
The professional capability of this young team earned high trust from leadership at all levels. From planning to execution, leaders at various levels listened to reports multiple times, coordinated resources, and provided full authorization and support, creating a relaxing yet highly efficient creative environment free from distractions.
Even more touching was that several senior artists visited the rehearsal sites multiple times, selflessly sharing their experience. They provided invaluable professional guidance on everything from on-site management to emotional expression, helping the young team avoid many potential detours.
“The insights from the senior artists often brought us sudden clarity. A single suggestion from them could solve a problem we had been pondering for days,” reflected one team member.
Supporting the Dreams of a Thousand Students
Logistics is the backbone that supports the soul.
If creativity is the “soul” of the opening ceremony, logistics serves as the “backbone” supporting that soul.
Faced with the large-scale challenge of coordinating over a thousand performers, this young team approached every logistical task with calm meticulousness, flexibility, and efficiency, ensuring all support work was proactive, precise, and considerate.
With student performers coming from different universities, the primary challenge was scheduling conflicts between academic courses and rehearsals.
The team began coordinating with each institution over a month in advance, developing customized rehearsal schedules tailored to each university. They prioritized scheduling full-group rehearsals during evenings, weekends, and other non-academic hours, while also making accommodations for students with exams or important certification tests.
“We coordinated as much as possible because we didn’t want anyone’s enthusiasm to be hindered by scheduling issues,” a team member said.
“Transportation and Meals” Were Top Priorities
“Transportation and meals” for over a thousand students were the top logistics priorities.
For transportation, the team formulated customized travel plans for each university involved.
Through scientific route planning and carefully timed departures, they achieved precise “point-to-point” shuttle services, ensuring all performers arrived punctually for both rehearsals and the actual performance.
To ensure all cast and crew could receive hot meals promptly, the team collaborated with professional catering suppliers. Meals were delivered on time to designated locations, with an orderly distribution process.
They implemented strict food safety controls, gathered special dietary requirements in advance, arranged customized meals accordingly, and provided nutritious, balanced meal options for all personnel.
Fulfilling the Promise of “Spectacle” in the Name of Youth
As the final note of the opening ceremony faded and applause and cheers echoed through Suoyuwan Football Stadium, this moment marked not only the successful conclusion of the opening ceremony but also a new beginning for this young directing team.
Even before the stage lights had fully dimmed, they drew on the experience gained from on-site coordination and feedback from performers to swiftly transition into preparations for the closing ceremony rehearsals.
The youth spirit endures; in the name of youth, they are fulfilling their promise of “spectacle.”
29 Sep
